How to pass your learner's licence test: a study plan
Learn the rule behind each answer, one section at a time, then sit timed mock tests until you clear all three pass marks again and again. Nothing can promise a pass, but a plan beats cramming.
1. Know how the test is marked
64 questions, three sections, and a pass mark for each section.
You need 22 of 28 on the rules of the road, 23 of 28 on road signs and 6 of 8 on vehicle controls. A high score in one section cannot make up for a low one in another, so your weakest section decides the result.
At most centres the test now runs on a touchscreen. How the computer test works and the pass marks in detail.
2. Learn signs by shape and colour
The shape tells you the kind of sign. The colour tells you the group inside it.
Rule signs are mostly circles, warning signs mostly triangles and guidance signs mostly rectangles. Learn the families first. Then a sign you have not seen before still tells you what kind of message it carries.
After that, go one family at a time: control, command, prohibition and reservation signs, then warnings, guidance, information, temporary signs, road markings and traffic signals. The free road sign guide walks through each one.
Signs has the highest pass mark, 23 of 28, so this is where to put a large share of your time.
3. Learn the rules from the reason
Know why a rule exists, and you can answer it however the question is worded.
Trainers who help learners prepare told News24 that many test questions are poorly phrased or worded in ways that trip people up. A memorised answer breaks when the question is asked a new way. A rule you understand does not.
Work through the rules of the road topic by topic: right of way at junctions and for pedestrians, lane position and overtaking, speed limits, parking and stopping, freeways, lights, loads and towing, seatbelts, and what to do after a crash. Leave the legal definitions for last, and do not leave them out.
When a practice question explains its answer, read the explanation even when you got it right.
Source
4. Don't skip the controls
Only 8 questions, and 3 wrong answers fail the section.
The controls questions are about the vehicle you are applying for: a motorcycle for Code 1, a car or light vehicle for Code 2 and a heavier vehicle for Code 3. Learn what each control does and where you find it.
Because the section is short, it is easy to leave until the night before. Give it a proper session early on and a quick review before every mock.
Sources
- National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000, regs 99(1) and 104(2)(a)(iii)
- Government Notice R.93 of 2006, Schedule para 5.4
5. Cover the parts that are easy to skip
Give the less-drilled parts of the syllabus a session of their own.
Legal definitions, bus and taxi reservation signs, route and freeway signs, combination warning signs, vehicle equipment and licence rules are all part of the syllabus. They are also the parts that are easy to skip when you study.
K67 gathers these in one place, called Unseen: 499 Code 2 questions on the less-drilled parts of the syllabus. Unseen cannot tell you which questions your test will ask. It covers ground you might not have practised.
6. Sit timed mock tests
Practise all 64 questions against a clock, scored per section.
Hessequa Municipality gives 60 minutes for the test. Time your mocks the same way, so the pace feels normal on the day.
Start mocks once you have been through each section at least once. After each one, look at the three section scores, not just the total. Aim to clear all three pass marks in several mocks in a row before you book.
7. Review every mistake
A wrong answer is the most useful thing a mock gives you.
For each mistake, read the explanation and find the rule behind it. Then try the question again a day or two later. If you get it wrong twice, write the rule down in your own words.
Keep a short list of the things you keep getting wrong, and work it down to nothing before your test.
A two-week plan
About an hour a day. Stretch it out if you have more time.
- Days 1 to 4: road signs. One or two sign families a day, with practice questions on each.
- Days 5 to 8: rules of the road. A few topics a day. Read each explanation.
- Day 9: vehicle controls for your code, plus the parts that are easy to skip.
- Days 10 to 13: one timed mock a day. Spend the rest of the hour on that day's mistakes.
- Day 14: light review. Your mistakes list and the sign families. Then rest.
On test day, leave your phone out of the test room. Using any unauthorised aid in the test is an offence. Tips for the day.
Source
- National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, section 17(5)
More free guides
- How the computer learner's test worksWhat changed from paper, 64 questions in three sections, pass marks, the time limit, tips for the day.
- Learner's licence test pass marks22 of 28, 23 of 28 and 6 of 8, how scoring works, Codes 1, 2 and 3.
- How to choose a learner's licence appWhat to look for: original questions, explanations, a timed mock, signs, offline use, cost.
- What road sign colours and shapes meanThe free sign guide, with sources.
Follow the plan in K67
Practise by section, see why each answer is right, sit timed 64-question mocks, and let your mistakes come back until you get them right. 1,367 original questions, R99.99 once, no ads.